by Kaitlyn Hamilton

Created on: July 15, 2010

The Carolina Inn, located in downtown Chapel Hill, North Carolina at the UNC campus, is a historic hotel originally built in 1924 for the luxury and convenience of the University alumni and visitors.  Eleven years after it was built, the owner (John Sprunt Hill) donated the Inn to the University and specified that the profits were to be used to benefit the University Library, which it still does today. 

The Inn is currently undergoing its sixth renovation, but is still fully functional and open to guests.  The Inn is a member of the National Trust's Historic Hotels of America and it also appears on the National Register of Historic Places.  The Inn is filled with ornate antique furnishings, paintings, and chandeliers.  You will also encounter abundant plants and flower arrangements throughout.  The overall feel of the Carolina Inn is warm, inviting, and luxury at its best.

The Inn has done a fantastic job of adding modern day luxuries without compromising that special feeling of stepping back in time with its colonial architecture and rich, antebellum furnishings.  The Inn has everything you could ask for in a luxury hotel and more.  It has about 180 rooms, abundant meeting room space (also perfect for family reunions and other gatherings), a very elegant restaurant, full service bar, fitness center, a fantastic spa (including in-room spa services!), and just about every other amenity you would expect in a top rate hotel. 

The Inn is the perfect location for weddings, upscale parties, and special events with your friends and family.  It has gorgeous, private courtyards and stunning ballrooms that are ideal for any occasion.  For smaller gatherings, the Carolina Crossroads restaurant is a great place to meet for afternoon tea or a romantic, gourmet dinner for two. 

The rates are generally in the ballpark of $140 - $200 per night unless there is a special event or holiday and then you will likely pay more.  Considering the accomodations and overall experience at the Carolina Inn, I find their rates to be very reasonable.  If you are planning to be there for several days, then I recommend visiting LuxuryLink.com where you can sometimes find deluxe packages for this hotel at deeply reduced prices. 

Overall, I highly recommend this Inn.  Whether you are visiting campus for a few days or planning an elaborate celebration, you are sure to be pleased with every aspect of the Carolina Inn.

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